Nathmal Ki Haveli

Vital Information for Visitors

Address:

Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Open & Close:

Open on all days

Visiting Time:

08 AM – 06 PM

Entry Fees:

Nil

Duration:

Approx 1 - 2 hrs

Significance:

Amalgam of Rajput & Islamic architecture

Attraction:

Intricate golden stone carvings & sculptures

The fairytale kingdom of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is home to a number of grand havelis. One of them having its own story to share is the ‘Nathmal Ki Haveli’. Nathmal Ki Haveli, often called the epitome of architectural splendour in the city, was constructed in 1885 by the then Prime Minister of the state Diwan Mohata Nathmal. It is an ethereal building with a very unusual tale to tell. The haveli was built by two Muslim architect brothers - Hathi & Lulu - who decided to split the construction in two parts, where one of them picked side A and another brother picked side B, so to say. Although both the segments were planned on paper to be identical but when the construction ﬁnally happened, it was seen that both parts of the mansion were similar in design, but not identical. Even though the two parts aren’t twin-like, there is no other building in the city that can overtake the ﬁnesse and detailing in the workmanship of this haveli.

The entrance of Nathmal Ki Haveli is guarded or beautified by two intricately carved elephant statues. These statues are built of yellow/ golden stone and flank beautiful main gate of the haveli to welcome all its visitors. The entire haveli’s facade has ﬁne masonry work and detailed carvings. The main chamber is carved out of rock and the front portion of the ﬁrst ﬂoor is said to be carved out of a solitary boulder. The ‘jharokhas’ and large courtyard are built to suit desert environment. It offers an opportunity to have a slight deeper peep into the lifestyles of the nobles in Jaisalmer showcasing how they cooked food, dressed, slept and many other interesting antique pieces that are on display.

The haveli is equipped with a number of pillars, beautifully designed and decorated with very light paintings of horses, cattle & ﬂowers. These paintings unfold the essence of Rajasthani spirit in the best way. In addition to painting on the pillars, there are wall paintings of cars & fans depicting the then existing modern amenities in the state. As the historians suggest that the architect-duo had drawn/ painted these modern instruments based on the descriptions given by the people who had seen the new products. It’s really amazing that such realistic picture painted without seeing them.

Architecture of the grand Nathmal Ki Haveli is said to be a bit diﬀerent from rest of the mansions in the city. The pattern and design of the haveli reﬂect a mix of Rajasthani, Rajput & Islamic architectural styles. This amalgam seemed to have resulted due to Jaisalmer’s being located on desert trade route. During olden heydays, the haveli was where the Prime Minister resided. Even today, it is inhabited by some folks from the city and they make the place shine brighter with their presence and the beautiful crafts that they sell inside. Thus, one of the enchanting architectural pieces in Jaisalmer, Nathmal Ki Haveli, etched in yellow stone, admired by many, loved by all, shows us the beauty in imperfection by standing tall, embracing its uniqueness.